Knitted glove

ABSTRACT

A double layer knitted glove is disclosed, the glove comprising a first yarn and a second yarn, the knitted glove comprising at least eight glove components, the components including: five digit components, an upper palm component, a lower palm component, and a wrist component, wherein one or more of the components comprises at least one functional zone comprising a single layer. Also disclosed is a knitted glove wherein each component comprises a plurality of courses, each course comprising a first yarn and wherein more than 50% of the courses of each component are plaited with a second yarn to provide a double layer component and wherein, in at least one component, predetermined functional zones of the component are single layer. Finally, a method for producing a double layer knitted glove is also disclosed. The inventive gloves are flexible, comfortable with enhanced fit and also functional.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to knitted gloves and methods of makingsuch gloves. In particular, the present invention relates to knittedgloves exhibiting enhanced flexibility.

Knitted gloves are known and may be produced using knitting machinesspecifically constructed in order to knit such gloves. For example ShimaSeiki Manufacturing Limited (Wakayama City, Japan) produces suchknitting machines which can knit the various components of a glove inone integral garment under computer control. The use of the Shimaautomatic seamless glove knitting machine New SFG is described in theNew SFG instruction manual 20^(th) Edition (June 2009).

Modified versions of conventional knitted gloves have also beendescribed.

U.S. Pat. No. b 6,155,084 describes protective articles (includinggloves) manufactured using a continuous, one step process incorporatingtwo or more dissimilar yarns or materials each having dissimilarmechanical properties and characteristics.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,965,223 describes a knitted protective fabric using twoor more layers of dissimilar cut resistant materials also produced in acontinuous one step process involving, for example, knitting the fabricand plaiting the layers of yarn used in the production process.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,547,733 discloses a textile fabric for rapidly movingmoisture away from the skin. The composite fabric includes an innerfabric layer made of yarn primarily composed of polyester which has beenrendered hydrophilic and an outer fabric layer made of yarn comprisingpolyester which has been rendered hydrophobic. The inner and outerfabric layers are concurrently knitted using a plaited construction sothe layers are distinct and separate yet integrated with one another.

Unfortunately, gloves in the prior art often do not take detailedaccount of the comfort, flexibility and fit of a particular glove(especially for industrial use).

U.S. Pat. No. 7.555.921 attempts to address this problem by providingknitted gloves by creating each of the 15 sections of the glove using aseparate knitting course and providing varying stitch dimensions withone or two yarns in one or more sections. Unfortunately, embodiments ofU.S. Pat. No. 7,555,921 which involve plaiting (also known as plating)two yarns together are intended solely to improve comfort and not toprovide additional dexterity and other functional properties of theglove.

There is therefore a need for a knitted glove which provides bothenhanced fit, comfort and also provides for functional properties of theglove such as warmth, moisture absorption and other properties. It is anaim of the present invention to address this need and to overcome theproblems of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention accordingly provides in a first aspect, a doublelayer knitted glove comprising a first yarn and a second yarn, theknitted glove comprising at least eight glove components, the componentsincluding: five digit components, an upper palm component, a lower palmcomponent, and a wrist component, wherein one or more of the componentscomprises at least one functional zone comprising a single layer.

This is advantageous because such a glove offers flexibility, dexterity,enhanced grip and improved aesthetics.

Preferably, at least the five digit components and the upper palmcomponent each comprise at least one functional zone.

Preferably, each functional zone comprises one or more courses.

Preferably, the functional zones extend on both sides of the glove.

Preferably, the lower palm and/or the wrist component each comprise atleast one functional zone.

It is preferred if more than 50% of the courses of each component of theglove are double layer.

In other words, a double layer glove according to the inventioncomprises components, each component being preferably more than 50%double layer. In preferred embodiments of the invention, each componentis more than 60% double layer, more than 66% double layer, more than 70%double layer, more than 80% double layer, and most preferably more than90% double layer.

Thus, the present invention accordingly provides in a second aspect, aknitted glove comprising eight components, the components comprising:five digit components (i.e. four finger components and a thumbcomponent), an upper palm component, a lower palm component, and a wristcomponent, wherein each component comprises a plurality of courses, eachcourse comprising a first yarn and wherein more than 50% of the coursesof each component are plaited with a second yarn to provide a doublelayer and wherein, in at least one component, predetermined functionalzones of the component are single layer.

A knitted glove may, of course comprise more than eight componentsdepending upon how the components are defined.

Preferably more than 60% of the courses of each component are plaitedwith the second yarn, more preferably more than 66% or more than 70%,most preferably more than 80%. In the most preferred embodiment at least90% of the courses of each component are plaited with the second yarn.

This is greatly beneficial because it enables a double layer componentto be produced in the glove which enables much greater productionflexibility in providing functional components of the glove for examplemoisture absorption, cut resistance, punch resistance, grip, feel andwarmth. These functional characteristics may be provided byincorporating dissimilar yarns within each double layer component. Forexample the first yarn having one property for example comfort (e.g.cotton or polyester) and a second yarn providing cut resistance (e.g.metal fibres, glass fibres or aramid fibres).

Preferably, the (predetermined) functional zones comprise courses whichare not plaited with the second yarn. In practice this means that thefunctional zones of the component would usually be single layer. Carefulselection of the functional zones and their position within eachcomponent of the glove enables the comfort and flexibility of the gloveto be significantly improved. For example if the functional zones areproduced on the front side of the fingers (in particular at the areaswhere the joints of the fingers are situated when the glove is worn)this enables the front side of the fingers to collapse more easily whenwearing the glove, enhancing both comfort and flexibility. Similarly ifthe functional zones of the component are on the backside of the fingersespecially where the joints are situated, this also enables easierflexing of the fingers when the glove is worn. Functional zones on thepalm side (in particular the upper palm and finger and thumb or thebackside of the glove e.g. at those positions where the hand of thewearer of the glove will bend and/or flex) offer additional grip andalso improve the flexibility of the glove by making it easier for theglove to collapse or stretch. The great benefit of this feature is thata knitted glove according to the invention offers improved dexterity,flexibility and most importantly tends to reduce the fatigue in awearer. This is very important in an industrial setting where fatiguecan lead to accidents. Furthermore, the functional zones of the knittedglove offer better grip and improved aesthetics.

Because of the nature of the invention, all of these advantages can beprovided without using variable stitch density (although of course thismay be used if desired for other reasons).

The functional zones will generally comprise a predetermined number ofcourses starting at a predetermined course in the or each componenthaving a functional zone. The course at which the functional zone startsdepends upon the sizing of the glove. However, it will generally beintended to provide a functional zone at areas of bend and/or flex in aglove once worn.

Generally, the preferred predetermined number of courses is at least onecourse. Preferably, the predetermined number of courses will be eight orfewer, five or fewer, four or fewer, three or fewer, two or fewer. Themost preferred predetermined number of courses is one course.Consequently, the glove according to the present invention, will tend tohave a double layer over the great majority of its structure with onlysmall predetermined number of courses having a single layer.Surprisingly this provides significantly enhanced flexibility, dexterityand reduced fatigue even though there are only a few courses of singlelayer.

Generally, there will be a plurality (e.g. 2 or more, 3 or more or 4 ormore) of functional zones in each component where there is a functionalzone.

Generally, the first yarn and second yarn will be independently selectedfrom monofilament yarns, multifilament yarns, spun yarns, texturedfilament yarns and/or multi component yarns or combinations thereof.

The first yarn and second yarn may be the same or different, thus thetwo layers of the glove may be composed of the same or different yarns.The difference may lie in the material, colour or count/denier of theyarns or technology from which the yarns are manufactured. The yarns mayor may not be coated.

If desired, the first and second yarn may be selected so they havedissimilar but complementary properties to enhance other aspects of theglove (for example cut resistance, comfort, moisture absorption orpuncture resistance).

Generally, the material of the first yarn and/or second yarn will beselected from any of natural, regenerated and/or synthetic fibre or acombination thereof. In particular, the material of the first yarnand/or second yarn will preferably be selected from one or more ofcotton, polyamide (e.g. nylon), acrylic, aramid (meta- or para-),polyolefin, polyester, linen, polyvinyl alcohol, metal, glass fibre,silk, wool, acetate yarns, PTFE, carbon fibre, steel fibre, mineralfibre, glass fibre, PBI, PBO, Rayon™, viscose, and/or bamboo fibres, ora combination thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, the knitted glove further comprises apolymeric coating. In particular, it is preferred if the knitted glovefurther comprises an elastomeric polymeric coating. The polymericcoating may be selected from one or more layers comprising naturalrubber, synthetic rubber, polyurethane, carboxylated acrylonitrilebutadiene, butyl latex, polychloroprene, polyvinyl alcohol,non-carboxylated acrylonitrile and/or polyvinyl chloride, orcombinations thereof.

The knitted glove may have a polymeric coating that is porous or nonporous i.e. may have a relatively solid polymeric coating or may have aporous polymeric coating (e.g. a foam coated coating).

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a method for producinga double layer knitted glove from a first yarn and a second yarn, themethod comprising, knitting a glove comprising at least eightcomponents, the components comprising five digit components, an upperpalm component, a lower palm component, and a wrist component whereinone or more of the components comprises at least one functional zonecomprising a single layer.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a method forproducing a knitted glove comprising eight components, the componentscomprising five digit components, an upper palm component, a lower palmcomponent, and a wrist component, wherein each component is knitted byknitting a plurality of courses, each course comprising a first yarn andplaiting more than 50% of the courses of each component with a secondyarn to provide a double layer component and wherein, in at least onecomponent, predetermined functional zones of the component are singlelayer.

Preferably, the knitting method is weft knitting. The gauge of weftknitting will preferably be between 5 to 18 gauge or more than 18 gauge(the higher gauge resulting in much finer knit and requiring thinneryarns).

The method generally comprises the steps of programming a knittingmachine to knit a glove comprising at least the eight glove components.The method may also be used to knit sleeve/gauntlet or any otherarticle. The gauge of glove knitting will preferably be between 5 and 18(or higher).

The method also preferably comprises coating at least a portion of theknitted glove with a polymeric coating (preferably an elastomericcoating as discussed above).

The preferred methods of coating the knitted glove include dip coatingin which a coagulant solution may (or may not) be first applied to theknitted glove. Thereafter the knitted glove is dipped in a polymericlatex or sol (e.g. plastisol), dried and cured.

The knitted gloves according to the present invention have uses in manyareas in which gloves are used but find particular use in industrialfields to provide protective gloves.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the present invention may be better understood, it willnow be described by way of example with reference to the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates the conventional components of a knitted glove.

FIG. 2 illustrates plaiting (also known as plating) in weft knitting.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the glove according to the presentinvention.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the back and palm sides respectively of anembodiment of the glove according to the present invention coated on thepalm and parts of the digits with an elastomeric coating.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates the various component of the knitted glove accordingto the invention. These components are used, for example, in theinstructions to the New SFG Shima glove knitting machines. Thecomponents are the little (“pinky”) finger 1, the ring finger 2, themiddle finger 3, the index finger 4, the thumb 5, the upper palm 6, thelower palm 7 and the wrist portion 8.

FIG. 2 illustrates a plaiting stitch during weft knitting in which alatch needle 14 (the latch needle is illustrated schematically: thelatch of the needle is not shown) gathers a loop of a first yarn 10 anda second yarn 12 during downward movement of the latch needle 14. Thetechnical face 18 of the fabric is situated on the side of first yarn 10and the technical back 16 of the fabric is situated on the side of thesecond yarn 12.

FIG. 2 shows an illustration of plaited weft fabric according to DavidSpencer Knitting Technology (3^(rd) edition) (2001).

FIG. 3 illustrates the palm side of a knitted glove according to anembodiment of the present invention. The back side of the glove issubstantially the same. The knitted glove 30 comprises over most of itsstructure a double layer fabric 32 comprising a black Nylon yarn (firstyarn) and light green coloured Nylon yarn). At points of flex on thumbcomponent 5 the plaiting is discontinued at a plurality of singlecourses 34 (the plaiting is also discontinued at the same parts on theback side). Similarly, at single courses 36 the plaiting is discontinuedin the upper palm portion. Finally the plaiting is discontinued atsingle courses 38 in the digit components (1,2,3,4). Each of the singlecourses 34, 36, 38 are situated at points of flex of the glove when wornand these form predetermined functional zones. The single courses 34,36, 38 are separated on the same component by eight courses of doublelayer knit. The glove 30 also has a wrist component 40 and a finishingsection 42.

The glove 30 is knitted with the first yarn outermost and the secondyarn innermost. After knitting the glove is turned inside out so thesecond yarn is visible on the outside of the glove.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a glove 50, 52 as in FIG. 4 but dip coated in anitrile rubber porous coating prepared as discussed in EP-A-2181826(see, in particular the Examples) with an elastomeric coating 52 on thepalm and palm side of the fingers and on portions of the back side ofthe fingers/thumb and palm components.

The invention is further illustrated by the following example whichillustrates the production of the glove of FIG. 3.

The glove was knitted on an NewSFG knitting machine (Shima Seiki) usingthe plaiting attachment (U3). The purpose of U3 device is to introducethe plaiting yarn at regular intervals.

According to Shima's instruction manual if setting is selected 0 thenthere will be no plaiting yarn. The option of introducing plaitingpattern can be used to introduce plaiting yarn in all courses OR everysecond course OR every third course and so on up to every ninth course.

The output according to Shima's specification will be a single layerglove with double layer occurring at regular intervals for only a singlecourse.

In contrast, and according to the invention, the plaiting feeder/yarn isstopped at specified locations of each glove component, instead ofintroducing plaiting yarn intermittently as per Shima's instructionmentioned above. Consequently, the glove according to the invention is adouble layer glove with single layer occurring at specified courses forspecified number of courses.

As an example for this invention Table 1 indicates that the plaitingyarn (yarn 2) being stopped at specified courses for specified number ofcourses and again started.

TABLE 1 Yarn2 (Plaiting Yarn) Yarn1 Plaiting Plaiting Glove Stitch No.of Principal yarn stopped at Component Setting Courses Yarn insertedcourses 1 (Pinky 34 1-90 1-90 1-50, 52-60, 51, 61, 71, finger) 62-70,72-80, 81 82-90 2 (Ring 34 1-108 1-108 1-60, 62-70, 61, 71, 81, finger)72-80, 82-90, 91 92-108 3 (Middle 34 1-118 1-118 1-70, 72-80, 71, 81,91, finger) 82-90, 92-100, 101 102-118 4 (Index 34 1-104 1-104 1-60,62-70, 71, 81, 91, finger) 72-80, 82-90, 101 92-104 5 (Thumb) 34 1-641-64 1-20, 22-30, 21, 31, 41, 32-40, 42-50, 51 52-64 6 (Upper 34 1-921-92 1-50, 52-60, 51, 61, 71. palm) 62-70, 72-80, 81 82-92 7 (Lower 341-50 1-50 1-50 palm) 8 (Wrist) 34 1-80 1-80 1-80

The knitted glove offers dexterity, flexibility, reduced fatigue, bettergrip, and better aesthetics. This is achieved without using variablestitch density.

1. A double layer knitted glove comprising a first yarn and a secondyarn, the knitted glove comprising at least eight glove components, thecomponents including: five digit components, an upper palm component, alower palm component, and a wrist component, wherein one or more of thecomponents comprises at least one functional zone comprising a singlelayer.
 2. A knitted glove as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least thefive digit components and the upper palm component each comprise atleast one functional zone.
 3. A knitted glove as claimed in claim 1,wherein each functional zone comprises one or more courses.
 4. A knittedglove as claimed in claim 1, wherein the functional zones extend on bothsides of the glove.
 5. A knitted glove as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe lower palm and/or the wrist component each comprise at least onefunctional zone.
 6. A knitted glove as claimed in claim 1, wherein thefirst yarn and second yarn are independently selected from monofilamentyarns, multifilament yarns, spun yarns, textured filament yarns,multi-component yarns or combinations thereof.
 7. A knitted glove asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the material of the first yarn and/or secondyarn is independently selected from one or more of cotton, polyamide,acrylic, aramid (meta- or para-), PTFE, polyolefin, polyester, linen,polyvinyl alcohol, metal, glass fibre, silk and/or wool.
 8. A knittedglove as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a polymeric coating. 9.A knitted glove comprising at least eight components, the componentscomprising: five digit components, an upper palm component, a lower palmcomponent, and a wrist component, wherein each component comprises aplurality of courses, each course comprising a first yarn and whereinmore than 50% of the courses of each component are plaited with a secondyarn to provide a double layer component and wherein, in at least onecomponent, predetermined functional zones of the component are singlelayer.
 10. A knitted glove as claimed in claim 9, wherein at least 70%of the courses of each component are plaited with the second yarn.
 11. Aknitted glove as claimed in claim 9, wherein the predeterminedfunctional zones comprise courses which are not plaited with the secondyarn.
 12. A knitted glove as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first yarnand second yarn are independently selected from monofilament yarns,multifilament yarns, spun yarns, textured filament yarns,multi-component yarns or combinations thereof.
 13. A knitted glove asclaimed in claim 9, wherein the material of the first yarn and/or secondyarn is independently selected from one or more of cotton, polyamide,acrylic, aramid (meta- or para-), PTFE, polyolefin, polyester, linen,polyvinyl alcohol, metal, glass fibre, silk and/or wool.
 14. A knittedglove as claimed in claim 9, further comprising a polymeric coating. 15.A knitted glove as claimed in claim 14, wherein the polymeric coating isselected from one or more layers comprising natural rubber, syntheticrubber, polyurethane, carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene, butyl latex,polychloroprene, polyvinyl alcohol, non-carboxylated acrylonitrileand/or polyvinyl chloride or combinations thereof.
 16. A knitted gloveas claimed in claim 14, wherein the polymeric coating is porous ornon-porous.
 17. A method for producing a double layer knitted glove froma first yarn and a second yarn, the method comprising, knitting a glovecomprising at least eight components, the components comprising fivedigit components, an upper palm component, a lower palm component, and awrist component; wherein one or more of the components comprises atleast one functional zone comprising a single layer.
 18. A method asclaimed in claim 17, wherein the knitting method is weft knitting.
 19. Amethod as claimed in claim 17, further comprising coating at least aportion of the knitted glove with a polymeric coating.
 20. A method asclaimed in claim 17, wherein the gauge of glove knitting machine is inthe range 5 to
 22. 21. A method as claimed in claim 17, wherein themethod is used to knit a sleeve or gauntlet.